Writing Excuses

Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart. Read more

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Episodes

21.17: The Up and Down Escalators

Yesterday (04/26/2026) 00:28:1621.16: Tension and Release as Call and Response

04/19/2026 00:21:19 21.15: Using Contrast for Maximum Effect

04/12/2026 00:23:2821.14: Because at First, They Don’t Succeed

04/05/2026 00:25:2121.13: Does The Middle Have To Be Soggy?

03/29/2026 00:24:50 Show all episodes

Our take on Writing Excuses podcast

If you've ever felt stuck before starting your own stories, Writing Excuses with Mary Robinette Kowal might be just what you need. She uses her experience in puppeteering and science fiction to explore everything from narrative techniques to creating believable fantasy elements. She's joined by guests who add further knowledge on storytelling, making each episode (including live ones!) a great learning opportunity. Topics go from how to find your story's voice or how to build a world for your story to playing with narrative structure or crafting believable magic. Writing Excuses is a books podcast by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler.